Pos­doc­toral Re­searcher, Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, invites applications for the position of

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

for a full-time, fixed-term period starting from 1 November 2021 (or sooner/later as agreed) until 31 August 2023. There is a possibility to continue in the second phase of the project.

The successful candidate will join the interdisciplinary research group Digital Geography Lab (DGL) https://www2.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/digital-geography-lab and work in the Academy of Finland-funded project "Tracing Interactions and Mobilities Beyond State Borders: Towards New Transnational Spaces (BORDERSPACE)" https://www2.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/digital-geography-lab/mobilit... with Academy Research Fellow Olle Järv https://researchportal.helsinki.fi/en/persons/olle-j%C3%A4rv .

This interdisciplinary research project combines cutting edge big data analytics and critical theorizations to study the socio-spatial phenomenon of transnationalism through bordering practices of people. By considering big data from mobile devices as a proxy for people’s whereabouts, activities and communication, the project examines how mobile phone and social media data can provide novel insights on cross-border mobilities and social interactions of people. The project also explores how the perceptions and embodied experiences about transnational lifestyle, and feelings of belonging to different societies are expressed in social media. With the particular focus on the people who cross state borders to perform their daily life practices, the project seeks to obtain new knowledge about transnational people and functional cross-border regions in Europe.

The successful candidate will work with one of the following four lines of research: 1) quantifying human mobility and activity spaces across country borders, based on social media data (Twitter), including conceptual and methodological development of the field; 2) examining people’s perceptions and embodied experiences regarding transnational lifestyle, and their feelings of belonging using quantitative content analysis of millions of social media posts; 3) identifying functional cross-border regions based on human mobility and interactions, including conceptual and methodological development of the field; 4) investigating the influence of external factors such as the global COVID-19 pandemic on cross-border mobilities, people’s perceptions and embodied experiences regarding transnational lifestyle, and their feelings of belonging to different societies. The project examines two case study regions in the EU: 1) the Nordic and Baltic countries; and 2) the Greater Region of Luxembourg.

The specific focus (topic, methods, data) of the postdoctoral research will be agreed with the successful candidate. The successful candidate is expected to publish articles in top-level international peer-reviewed scientific journals, and book chapters.

In addition to project research, the duties include teaching and other tasks. Teaching tasks account for around 5% of the annual working time and take place in the context of the Master’s programs in Geography, Faculty of Science. Other tasks may include contributing to ongoing projects in the research group as well as preparing grant applications.

QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate holds a doctoral degree (or will have the doctoral degree until starting in the position) in a field related to quantitative human geography, geoinformatics, computational social science, computational linguistics, computer science, data science, or a related field.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, innovative, and open-minded team player with strong technical knowledge and skills to join our interdisciplinary research team.

The successful applicant is expected to have: 1) strong fluency in programming (SQL, Python, R) and automation; 2) experience in working with large-scale quantitative datasets (e.g., mobile phone data, social media data) and machine-learning; 3) experience in advanced spatial analytics and/or (social media) textual content analysis; 4) an excellent command of oral and written English as demonstrated by published studies in peer-reviewed journals and active participation in research community; and 5) high motivation to pursue an academic career. Prior theoretical knowledge on one or several of the project’s four research lines (see above) is an asset.

WHAT WE OFFER

The position is based in Helsinki. The project is affiliated with the DG Lhttps://www2.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/digital-geography-lab research group at the Department of Geosciences and Geography, which is part of the university-wide networks URBARIA – Helsinki Institute of Urban and Regional Studies https://www2.helsinki.fi/en/helsinki-institute-of-urban-and-regional-stu... and HELSUS - Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science https://www2.helsinki.fi/en/helsinki-institute-of-sustainability-science . The DGL research group, led by prof. Tuuli Toivonen, comprises 20+ international researchers with diverse backgrounds in geoinformatics, human geography, regional planning, linguistics, and sustainability science. Our research is supported by an excellent computational infrastructure.

The annual gross monthly salary range will be €3,400–3,700 per month, depending on the merits and experience of the successful candidate according the salary system applied in Finnish universities. There will be a six-month trial period for the position. The successful candidate is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.

The University of Helsinki is an equal opportunity employer, and offers an attractive and diverse workplace in an inspiring environment with a variety of development opportunities and benefits. This includes comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, pension benefits, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development (www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers ). The International Staff Services office assists employees from abroad with their transition to work and life in Finland (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/university/working-at-the-university ).

HOW TO APPLY

You are welcome to submit your application until September 14, 2021 with the following required attachments (in English, compile all documents as a single PDF file):

Please submit your application through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the link Apply for the position. Applicants who are employees of the University of Helsinki must submit their application via the SAP HR portal, https://saphr.it.helsinki.fi/irj/portal or by SAP Fiori (https://msap.helsinki.fi/flp )

The selection for this position will happen in two phases. First, a shortlist of candidates will be created based on the supplied documents. Second, a ranking will be made based on interviews with shortlisted candidates.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information about the position or any questions about the BORDERSPACE project and potential fit, please contact Academy Research Fellow Olle Järv, [email protected] .

In case you need support with the recruitment system, please contact HR Specialist Laura Karppinen, [email protected] .

The University of Helsinki is a multidisciplinary research university that ranks among the best in the world and the top 1% of the European universities. The University is the oldest and largest institution of academic education in Finland that seeks solutions for global challenges and creates new ways of thinking for the best of humanity and environment. Currently, an international scientific community of 40,000 students and resea

Due date

14.09.2021 23:59 EEST